PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERGENERATIONAL INTERACTIONS: OVERVIEW OF FOREIGN STUDIES

Abstract

In the presented work, a review of foreign studies on the issues of stimulating physical activity of older citizens by means of social ties between representatives of different generations is conducted in order to study the potential of intergenerational relations as an incentive and motivator for the aging population to engage in physical education, sports and other forms of physical activity. The relevance of this topic is due to demographic and social trends: on the one hand, an increase in the life expectancy of citizens leads to population aging, and on the other – from the point of view of the goals of sustainable development of society, it is necessary that aging citizens maintain physical and mental health, be active, physically hardy, etc. The review was conducted by the method of content analysis of foreign scientific publications reflecting applied research on a given topic. The study showed that a significant condition for increasing the physical activity of the elderly is social interaction with family members – representatives of other, younger generations. Joint sports activities, participation (attendance and observation) in classes and competitions, assistance of children and grandchildren to their elderly parents in developing a system of exercises, as well as the development of digital assistants (fitness trackers and software applications) contribute to strengthening family ties, stimulate and motivate physical activity. The scientific value and practical significance of the work lies in the accumulation of scientific knowledge and their systematization for the development of concepts and policies to stimulate active longevity, the possibility of using foreign experience in the Russian practice of implementing programs involving older citizens in physical activity using intergenerational ties.